Even the healthiest plants can run into trouble now and then. If you’ve ever noticed yellow leaves, brown edges, or drooping stems, don’t panic — plants have ways of telling us what’s wrong. At Durango Nursery & Supply, we see these problems all the time, and most of them have simple fixes. Here’s a guide to common symptoms, possible causes, and what you can do to set things right.
Brown or Dry Leaf Edges
- Too Hot: Move your plant to a cooler spot.
- Low Humidity: Set pots on shallow trays filled with water and pebbles to raise humidity.
Browning Leaf Tips or Margins
- Low Humidity: Try the pebble tray method above.
- Fertilizer Burn: Leach or repot with fresh soil.
- Poor Water Quality: Let tap water sit 24 hours before using.
- Nutrient Deficiencies / Soil Issues:
- Test soil pH and adjust.
- High pH/alkaline soils cause iron deficiency → add sulfur or peat moss.
- Low pH/acidic soils cause magnesium deficiency → add limestone or wood ash.
- Spray Damage or Air Pollutants: Rinse leaves gently with clean water and reduce chemical exposure.
Rapid Defoliation (Leaves Dropping Quickly)
- Sudden temperature or light changes → acclimate plants slowly.
- Overwatering → check for root rot.
- Underwatering → don’t let soil dry out completely.
- Drafts → move to a sheltered spot.
Gradual Leaf Drop (Lower Leaves Yellowing First)
- Over- or under-watering.
- Insufficient light.
- Lack of balanced fertilizer.
Small or Curled New Leaves
- Aphid or mite damage → isolate plant and use insecticidal soap or horticultural oil.
- Air pollutants or chemical sprays → reduce exposure.
Silver or Red Blotches on Leaves
- Sunburn: Move to shadier area or hang shade cloth.
- Powdery Mildew: Remove infected leaves, improve airflow, water in mornings, and apply fungicide if needed.
Spotted or Pale Foliage
- Overwatering or fungal infections.
- Sunburn or cold water on foliage.
- Air pollutants.
- Insufficient light, underwatering, or low humidity.
- Nutrient deficiencies (iron/magnesium).
Plants Not Flowering or Stunted
- Not enough light.
- Water stress (over or under).
- Fertilizer burn from overfeeding.
Flower Buds Drop Before Opening
- Fertilizer burn.
- Underwatering or extreme heat.
- Sunburn or frost damage.
- Draft exposure.
Entire Plant Wilted
- Underwatering.
- Overwatering leading to root rot.
- Fertilizer burn.
- Frost damage.
Pests and Diseases to Watch For
- Spider mites: Tiny white spots on leaves. Spray with insecticidal soap or oil.
- Mealybugs: Cottony clusters on stems. Remove and treat with insecticidal soap. Avoid over-fertilizing.
- Scale insects: Brown bumps on stems or leaves. Trim and treat.
- Botrytis blight (gray mold): Remove dead flowers/leaves, improve airflow, reduce humidity.
- Crown/Root Rot: Caused by overwatering. Let soil dry and water less often.
- Fungal leaf spots: Water at soil level, not on leaves.
Final Tip
Most plant problems come down to a few basics: light, water, soil, and air. Before you assume the worst, check these simple things first. With the right adjustment, most plants bounce back quickly.
Stay Updated with Our Newsletter
Join our newsletter for the latest blog updates, exclusive promotions, and expert landscaping tips.
